- Nikola Jokic — DEN
Sonshine: Jokic makes a mockery of the hoops landscape. He’s accomplished everything and now it’s time to conquer the final frontier — average a triple-double. Only two others have done it and Jokic was 0.2 dimes short last season.
Evil: If you don’t have the top pick in your draft, you can try convincing yourself that “Joker” will be bored and complacent in the regular season. Or perhaps you should craft your own Nikola Jokic voodoo doll, as that will be your only chance of slowing him down.
- Joel Embiid — PHI
Sonshine: Have you seen how many minutes Nick Nurse played his guys in Toronto?
Evil: Yep, play him until the wheels fall off! Unfortunately, that’s what will probably happen given Embiid’s injury history. This Harden situation isn’t helping matters.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — OKC
Sonshine: The points may come down, but the dimes could correspondingly increase. Shai fell 0.1 treys shy of being a 1/1/1 player. He literally does it all without hurting you anywhere.
Evil: Last season, he had to carry the Thunder on his back, but this year’s squad should have a more balanced attack. That will require some stat-sacrificing on SGA’s part.
- Jayson Tatum — BOS
Sonshine: With all of the new additions in Boston, the points will likely come down, but that may bring a bump in dimes and increased efficiency, as he should see cleaner looks.
Evil: There may be an adjustment period given Boston’s major roster overhaul, and I’ve given up on the idea that Tatum has 50/40/90 potential.
- Luka Doncic — DAL
Sonshine: The roster construction in Dallas is more conducive for Luka to thrive. There’s obviously Kyrie Irving, but Grant Williams can space the floor and relieve pressure when Luka gets doubled. In addition, Dereck Lively is a vertical lob threat while Richaun Holmes is a great short-roll partner.
Evil: If you think Luka is happy with his current situation in Dallas, I think you’re kidding yourself. Look for his complaining to the refs to reach new heights this season.